Project Lead the Way Engineering and Biomedical Science students from West Haven High School, along with members of the Robotics Club, visited Bailey Middle School to share their experiences and introduce eighth graders to the high school’s STEM programs. WHHS students demonstrated projects, answered questions, and engaged directly with middle school students.
During breakout sessions, high school students demonstrated various projects, while middle school students also showcased their robotics work to the high schoolers.
WHHS Department Head of Career and Technology Education, Mr. Rice, and science teacher Mr. Piccuillo were present. Mr. Rice said, “It was tremendously rewarding to see our students demonstrate such pride in what they are experiencing and learning and sharing to their peers.”
On what he hoped students took away from the visit, Mr. Rice explained, “First of all, we want to provide students with an opportunity to showcase all the great things they are doing in class — both high school and middle school students. I also hope we have given the high school students a chance to demonstrate their leadership skills by guiding the next group of students who will soon be joining the high school. Our goal is to create a virtuous cycle in which we enhance the self-efficacy of middle school students by providing them with role models, information, and other resources to help them take full advantage of the excellent courses and programs offered at West Haven High School.”
When asked about the programs highlighted during the visit, Mr. Rice said, “The high school students were all enrolled in STEM Project Lead the Way Engineering and Biomedical Science classes, and they also participate in our after-school Technical Student Association, VEX Robotics Team, and/or the SeaPerch Underwater ROV Team.”
Discussing the benefits of these classes, Mr. Rice shared, “Taking STEM Engineering and Biomedical Science electives in high school helps students build hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities that prepare them for the jobs of the future. These courses provide early exposure to real-world technology and scientific concepts while offering opportunities to earn college credit. By starting early, students gain a strong foundation for success in college and high-demand STEM careers. All of STEM Project Lead the Way courses provide students an opportunity to gain college credit!”
Mr. Rice added, “Students are engaged in many classroom-based, applied learning activities, most of which are open-ended projects. They typically use industry-standard software and fully equipped classrooms and labs. We have flight simulators, wind tunnels, industry solid modeling software, electrical engineering simulation software, architecture software, lab data acquisition equipment and software, and robotics — the list goes on and on.”
WHHS offers ten full-year STEM Project Lead the Way elective courses in addition to core classes such as math and science. These include Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, Civil Engineering and Architecture, and Aerospace Engineering — and even more. Students can also join the Technical Student Association, VEX Robotics Team, SeaPerch Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle Team, or participate in the ACE Mentoring Program.
Mr. Piccuillo said, “It was a great experience. Seeing our students interact with the students at Bailey was inspiring. Pat O’Connor is doing an amazing job with her students and I’m excited that these students will soon be at the High School.” Pat O’Connor added, “My students had an amazing time interacting with the high school teachers and students! During our reflection, they shared how impressed they were by the variety of activities offered at the high school.”
The visit gave Bailey students a chance to learn directly from high school students and teachers about the programs offered at WHHS, providing insight into hands-on opportunities in engineering, technology, and robotics while building excitement for the transition to high school.